WEST MICHIGAN — Temperatures and dew points are on the rise today ahead of the first potential heat wave of 2013. South easterly winds are funneling moisture from the south into the Great Lakes and the dew point temperatures are starting to rise. Dew point temperatures are a good measure of moisture present in the atmosphere and how your body senses it. Dew point temperatures were in the low to mid fifties for a majority of last week which lead to some fairly comfortable conditions. When dew points warm into the upper 60’s and 70’s it starts to feel muggy. The humidity will increase throughout the day today and stick around for a majority of next week.
When dew point temperatures reach into the 70’s and actual temperatures warm into the low 90’s, the air starts to feel even warmer causing heat index or feel-like temperatures to warm well above the actual temperatures. Monday and Tuesday’s combined heat and humidity could create feel-like temperatures into the upper 90’s across West Michigan. Next week offers little relief as the muggy weather looks to hold into the end of next week.
